7 Tips for a Successful Class Reunion

Tip 1

Form a Committee

Reunions work best when the planning is shared. Recruit classmates to serve on a committee with a designated chairperson and clear roles. A good committee prevents any one person from getting overwhelmed and keeps communication organized. Most importantly: start early. Classmates often begin looking for reunion information up to a year in advance, and finding people, booking venues, and building excitement all take time. A 12-to-18-month runway is ideal.

Tip 2

Establish a Budget

Before anything else, get a clear picture of what the reunion will cost. Build a shared spreadsheet to estimate expenses — venue, catering, entertainment, decorations, name tags, mementos, and anything else your committee has in mind. Open a dedicated bank account for reunion funds, with at least two or three check signers authorized to approve expenses. Some classmates may be willing to make early donations to help cover upfront costs.

See Class Reunion Funds & Ticket Sales (Best Practices) for detailed guidance on payment options, pricing, and financial recordkeeping.

Tip 3

Choose the Right Venue

The venue sets the tone for the entire event — and it goes fast. Start exploring options early so you have the widest selection and best pricing. The high school campus itself is a nostalgic choice, but keep in mind it may not be available for private events and typically does not permit alcohol. Hotels, restaurants, event halls, and outdoor spaces are all worth considering. Compare costs carefully, and ask each venue what is included (tables, linens, AV equipment, parking) to get an accurate picture of what you will actually spend.

Tip 4

Define the Event

The more clearly your committee defines the event upfront, the smoother everything else will go. Decide early: Will it be formal or casual? Are children welcome? Will there be dancing? How long will the event last? Is this a single evening, or a multi-day gathering for classmates traveling from out of town? Make sure these details are reflected clearly in your invitations so people know what to expect.

A DJ or live band adds energy, but loud music makes conversation difficult — and catching up is the whole point. Consider the balance carefully, especially for milestone reunions where classmates have not seen each other in decades.

Tip 5

Find Your Missing Classmates

Do not wait for classmates to find you — go find them. Search Google, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Ask every committee member to dig through their contacts and forward the reunion announcement far and wide. Post a Missing Classmates page on your reunion website and update it as people are located. The SPHS Alumni Association maintains a Missing Classmates list — check it often and let us know when someone is found.

Tip 6

Publicize Early and Often

Lock in your date at least 12 months out and start spreading the word immediately. The earlier classmates hear about the reunion, the more likely they are to clear their calendars, book travel, and register. Share your reunion information with the SPHS Alumni Association, the school at sphstigers.org, the Tiger Newspaper, and The Southpasadenan. Keep sending regular email updates — monthly at minimum — and always include the registration link so people can forward it easily.

Tip 7

Keep Classmate Profiles Updated

Your reunion website is a long-term asset, not just a one-time planning tool. Encourage every classmate to keep their profile current — contact information, photos, and life updates — so the next reunion committee can reach them without starting from scratch. A profile on the SPHSAA website never expires, and the connections you rebuild at this reunion can last a lifetime.